Kate Ferdinand has revealed the secret code she uses to communicate with her stepdaughter Tia.
The former TOWIE star, 31, is stepmother to husband Rio’s three children Lorenz, 15, Tate, 13, and Tia, 11 – whose mother Rebecca sadly passed away after a battle with cancer in 2015 – and the couple also have a son named Cree , two, together.
The television personality is expecting a baby girl with Rio, a new addition to what she calls their “blended” family.
During a speech in Lorraine on Monday, she revealed that she and Tia have a secret code that tells her when to talk about her late mother.
She said, “It’s really hard when the kids are upset. Tia sends me the color like a heart, her mom and grandma’s favorite color and that’s when she wants to talk about it or maybe she doesn’t, but the thing is, I know her feelings.”
‘It’s really hard when the kids are upset’: Pregnant Kate Ferdinand has revealed the secret code she uses to communicate with her stepdaughter Tia, 11
Code: The former TOWIE star, 31, revealed that she and Tia have a secret code that tells her when to talk about her late mother (pictured with LR Lorenz, 15, Rio, Tia and Tate, 13)
Kate admitted that her stepchildren’s grief journey hasn’t always been easy, but she’s learned how to navigate it and give them space.
She said, “There were ups and downs. It wasn’t perfect, but really communicating with the kids is important. It’s to know when to step back and give them space.”
The star, who has been married to Rio since 2019 after they started dating in 2016, also admitted that it can be difficult to settle into a family as a step parent.
Kate said, “The kids have been through so much. It’s hard for a step parent, it can be hard, but they say you’ll feel settled between four and seven years old.
She also talked about her new book How To Build A Family, which aims to give tips to other stepparents.
The star said: “There were some tough times and I’m hoping for the tips [in her new book] will help others like going to the airport with a different last name is a big one.”
Later, Kate joked about her and Rio’s incoming new arrival in Lorraine, saying, “Another one, oh my god.” Cree was the icing on the cake he bought for all of us together, so I hoped the little girl will be the same.”
She also shared how she felt during her second pregnancy.
New book: Kate also talked about her new book How To Build A Family, which aims to give tips to other stepparents
Kate said, “I’m fine, I’m fine, but I’m also tired. I guess I’ve been so busy I haven’t thought about the logistics of having another baby.”
The TV personality announced the release of her parenting guide How To Build A Family on Instagram in January.
The former TOWIE star couldn’t contain her excitement as she gushed about the “modern parenting handbook” that aims to help blended families.
Kate said she is “nervous” and “grateful” to be able to share her own advice and experiences.
She wrote in the unveiling, “I’m just so excited (and a little nervous) to finally share this with all of you… I’ve written a book.
“How to Build a Family” is the kind of modern parenting handbook I wish I had when I started my journey in a completely blended family.
It’s packed with expert advice, everyday stories, and some of my experiences along the way.
“It’s there to guide you on your journey and pick you up when you’re not feeling well.
“I’m just so grateful to have been able to bring my vision to life and create something that will hopefully help others on their parenting journey.”
She concluded the post by thanking her team, describing the news as “a real pinch-me moment.”
It comes after Kate previously admitted on her podcast that after five years with Rio, she “feels a lot better” about being part of a blended family.
She has spoken openly about the challenges she faced becoming a step parent to Rio’s three children.
In May last year, she admitted that she is more concerned about the “big kids,” adding that love for a stepchild is “sometimes even more intense.”
The podcast host described the “instant love” with your biological offspring before adding, “I feel like sometimes a stepchild’s love is even more intense because you worked so hard to get there and I find myself probably exaggerating everything.’
Kate added The sun“I’m so much more worried about the big kids. Children who have lost a parent have a different kind of worry.’
In December, Kate said she feels like she knows Rebecca, her husband Rio’s late wife, because they “talk about her all the time.”
Kate also discussed raising her blended family on the Parenting Hell podcast, describing the changing dynamics with Rio and Rebecca’s three kids.
She insisted that she never wanted to take their mother’s place, and that learning about Rebecca has made her a better parent.
She said, “Their mother is a big part of our lives and always will be. I would never want the kids to think I’m taking on the role of [Rebecca].
Family: Kate previously admitted on her podcast that she feels “a lot better” being part of a blended family after five years with Rio
“I am a mother figure to them, but their mother is their mother. She is part of our life. We talk about her all the time. It’s really weird, but I feel like I know her.’
She added, “To be the best parent to my three stepchildren, I need to know her and what she would do. I embrace all of that.
“Looking back on it, it was hard. But I have this mentality, I love Rio and if I love Rio then this has to work.
‘I want to belong to everything. I wouldn’t want to be a half hearted stepmother. If I love him and the children, I must belong to everything.’